A New Crime Saga on Netflix
Netflix’s latest Indian crime thriller, Dabba Cartel, is a gritty, fast-paced drama that attempts to bring something fresh to the ever-growing crime genre. Created by Shibani Akhtar and directed by Shonali Azmi, the series follows an unlikely group of women who start off running a simple dabba (tiffin) delivery business but soon find themselves deeply entrenched in Mumbai’s dark underbelly of drug trafficking.

At first glance, the premise feels refreshingly unique—a world where food and crime collide, where a small-scale business spirals into an uncontrollable empire. However, despite its intriguing setup, the execution of the series leaves something to be desired. While the show boasts a slick production, solid performances, and a quick-moving narrative, it never quite manages to break free from familiar crime drama tropes.

Plot Overview: From Tiffin Boxes to Drug Deals
The show revolves around four home chefs, each leading seemingly normal lives, running a dabba delivery service in Mumbai. Their routine revolves around cooking, packing, and delivering home-cooked meals to office workers and students. However, an unexpected opportunity arises when they realize they can use their supply chain network to smuggle drugs under the radar.

What starts as a side hustle quickly turns into a full-blown drug cartel, pulling them deeper into a world of crime, betrayals, and survival. The narrative unfolds over seven episodes, where each episode escalates the stakes, introducing new challenges, conflicts, and morally ambiguous choices for the protagonists.

The concept of an all-female crime syndicate in a male-dominated underworld is certainly compelling. But does Dabba Cartel do justice to its potential?

Performances: A Mixed Bag of Strong Leads and Forgettable Villains
One of the strongest aspects of Dabba Cartel is its cast, particularly its lead performers. Each of the four main women brings a distinct personality to the screen:

The Mastermind: The calculated leader who oversees operations, making tough calls when needed.
The Reluctant One: A woman who struggles with the ethical dilemmas of their new business.
The Risk-Taker: The one who thrives on danger and enjoys the newfound power.
The Family Woman: Someone who tries to balance her double life as a mother and a criminal.
Their chemistry and camaraderie are evident, making their transition from innocent business owners to crime bosses somewhat believable. However, the antagonists and secondary characters fail to leave a lasting impression. The rival gangsters, corrupt police officers, and power-hungry politicians feel like cookie-cutter villains, lacking depth or originality.

Pacing & Storytelling: Fast but Not Always Impactful
One thing Dabba Cartel gets right is its fast-paced storytelling. There’s hardly a dull moment, as each episode ends on a cliffhanger, pushing the story forward. However, the breakneck speed sometimes works against the show, as it doesn’t allow enough breathing room for emotional depth.

While the twists and betrayals keep viewers engaged, some plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped. For example:

Certain character transformations happen too quickly, making their actions seem forced rather than organic.
Some of the conflicts resolve too easily, reducing the tension that a crime drama should build.
Flashbacks and exposition-heavy dialogues are used to explain key developments rather than letting them unfold naturally.
Despite these flaws, the show manages to hold attention, particularly for viewers who enjoy crime thrillers with non-stop action and tension.

Cinematography & Production: The Excel Entertainment Formula
Being an Excel Entertainment production, Dabba Cartel boasts high production values. The cinematography is stylish, with well-composed shots that highlight the contrast between the mundane world of home kitchens and the high-stakes world of crime.

The use of Mumbai’s urban landscape adds authenticity to the setting.
Well-executed action sequences keep the adrenaline flowing.
The music and background score complement the tone of the series.
However, like many Excel Entertainment projects, the series feels more polished than profound. It’s efficiently made, but it doesn’t leave a lasting emotional impact.

What Works & What Doesn’t?
👍 Strengths:
✅ Unique Premise: The fusion of home-cooked meals and organized crime is fresh.
✅ Strong Lead Performances: The four main women deliver convincing performances.
✅ Slick Production: The show looks and feels high-quality, with polished visuals.
✅ Fast-Paced Storytelling: Keeps the audience engaged with constant twists.

👎 Weaknesses:
❌ Stock Characters: Many supporting characters feel generic and underdeveloped.
❌ Missed Emotional Depth: The fast pace doesn’t allow deeper character exploration.
❌ Predictability: Some plot twists feel formulaic, following standard crime drama patterns.
❌ Lack of a Strong Villain: The antagonists aren’t compelling enough to feel truly menacing.

Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, But Not a Masterpiece
Dabba Cartel is an entertaining, fast-paced crime drama that delivers its share of thrills and twists. The unique premise, engaging performances, and high production quality make it worth a binge-watch, especially for fans of the genre.

However, it falls short of being a genre-defining series. With better character depth, stronger antagonists, and a more nuanced approach to storytelling, it could have been something truly special.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5

If you’re in the mood for a slick, engaging crime thriller, Dabba Cartel will keep you entertained. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel.

Author: Ronak Rehal